The Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department will offer a Vaccines for Children program at Hayes Center Elementary School from 4-5 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 6.

SWNPHD will hold clinics the first Tuesday of each month in Hayes Center, starting in August.

This is a perfect opportunity for you to bring your incoming students in Kindergarten, 7th grade and college freshmen for required immunizations and a special “back to school” gift.

Schedule an appointment by calling 308-345-4223. Walk-ins are welcome.

Vaccines for Children is a program that provides immunizations to eligible children, 18 years old and younger.

Eligibility is defined as those who are Medicaid eligible, uninsured, underinsured (health insurance does not provide coverage for childhood immunizations), and/or American Indian or Alaska Natives.

“We are looking forward to getting students ready for school next year and August 6th is a great time to get your shots done,” said Melissa Propp, Public Health Nurse and VFC Clinic Coordinator for SWNPHD. “We enjoy working with Hayes Center Schools staff and students.”

Seventh Grade students will need: TDap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis), Optional: HPV (Human Papillomavirus), MCV4 (Meningococcal) and if they have not had their second VAR (chickenpox) that will also be required.

“If parents are planning to be in McCook, they can schedule their student shots during office hours of Monday-Friday, 8:30-4 p.m. by calling 308-345-4223,” said Propp. SWNPHD is located at 404 West 10th St., a block north of Arby’s.

SWNPHD also provides adult immunizations, such as shingles, whooping cough, tetanus and flu shots. We can bill Medicare (pneumonia & flu shots only), Midlands Choice and Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance. Immunizations are one of the most effective and cost efficient ways to prevent disease. For every dollar spent on immunizations, it saves as much as $29.00 in direct and indirect health costs.

More information on immunizations is available at www.swhealth.ne.gov and you can follow us on Facebook or Twitter.